Real-time services and multihop networks : Delay analysis of a multihop CDMA fixed relay network

Abstract: The next generation of cellular networks is expected to carry high speed IP traffic in a packet switched environment in order to accommodate data traffic for a wide range of services. Much research is thus focused on how to increase the transmission rate in cellular networks. A general consequence of increasing transmission rate in a radio link is a corresponding increase in transmit power, resulting in increased interference and reduced network capacity. The straightforward way to reduce this effect is to shorten the link distance, which in the cellular case means shrinking the cells. This, however, means increased control traffic for handoffs and location registration, as well as increased infrastructure costs. An alternative approach, which has received increased attention lately, is the introduction of wireless multihop access networks to relay traffic between the wired infrastructure and the users. Such an access network must clearly accommodate all types of services expected to operate in next generation systems, including real-time services. However, wireless multihop networks have traditionally had problems meeting the delay requirements posed by such services. In this thesis, we will study the delay performance through analysis and simulation of such a network, based on the Virtual Cellular Network proposal [1], in which geographically fixed wireless relays are deployed to act as both network nodes and user relays.